Adult Education

Professional Development and Educator Training Opportunities

Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center occasionally offers adult trainings and workshops for teachers, educators and youth leaders on a variety of topics, including: Wilderness First Aid, Master Naturalist Instructor Training, Projects Wet/WILD/Learning Tree and Early Childhood, Leopold Education Project, digital technology and experiential education programming, and others. Check back for upcoming adult education workshops or contact us at (608) 254-6461 if you have questions about upcoming training and workshop events!

Wisconsin Master Naturalist Volunteer Training Course

What is is all about? Upham Woods will be working in partnership with Wisconsin Master Naturalist to provide education, training, and service opportunities for adult volunteers who are passionate about conserving the state’s natural resources.

Where: At Upham Woods and field trips to nearby conservation organizations

Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center occasionally offers facilitation workshops for our team building challenge course, enabling participants to lead Peanut Butter Mountain sessions at Upham Woods for one year; yearly refreshers are required as are current First Aid and CPR certifications. Trainings cover the goals and standards of challenge courses, policies and safety procedures for Peanut Butter Mountain and group processing methods. Participants also learn group initiative games and participate in Peanut Butter Mountain elements.

Current Peanut Butter Mountain Training Dates available:

Check back here for future dates for this program!

For more information, to register for a training, or to request a training day for your group contact uphamwoods@ces.uwex.edu or call (608) 254-6461.

Educator Workshops

Digital Observation Technology Skills (DOTS) Training

DOTS Training Events cover the basics of DOTS kits tool use, background history of the program, and teaching methodology for the kits. They are minimum six hours long and include observational and inquiry-based instruction methods, tool use as it relates to enhancing observation, data collection, and a detailed presentation about the research-based background, methodology, and the DOTS approach to modern environmental education.

DOTS Training Events are scheduled on a first come, first served basis provided Upham Woods staff have availability in their schedule. For this reason it is recommended prospective trainees contact Upham Woods 3-6 months in advance of their desired training date. Staff time for trainings are charged an hourly rate of $75 for 11 hours which includes preparation, evaluation, and instruction ($825). Training resources for the single day, 6-8 hour training event includes two DOTS kits for use during the training only, one instructor, and print resources for up to 10 individuals. Additional kits can be requested for training events at $25 per kit. Round trip mileage to and from Wisconsin Dells is charged an additional $0.54/mile.

If your organization is interested in hosting a DOTS Training, follow this link to the DOTS Lending Interest Form and indicate that you have not received a DOTS Training. You will then be able to request a training; an Upham Woods staff member will be in contact with you with further scheduling details.